Gary Owen

by Si Bass

Here is a $2.00 label with a little history. This was probably used to sell cigars in the Irish sections of the metropolitan cities. "Garry Owen", is an old Irish folk song, and after the Civil War when General Custer (now a Brevet Colonel or Lieutenant Colonel) heard this bar room song. He thought it would be an ideal song for his newly assigned 7th Cavalry Regiment.

In Japan during 1953-4, I was a company commander in the 7th Calvary Regiment. We wore the yellow scarves, sang Garry Owen, and when we saluted we also greeted one another by saying "Garry Owen."

The following is the 1905 version rewritten by Chief Musician J.O. Brockenshire of the Seventh Cavalry Band. §

Garry Owen

1
We are the pride of the army,
And a regiment of great renown,
Our name’s on the pages of history.
From sixty-six on down.
If you think we stop or falter
While into the fray we’re goin’
Just watch the steps with our heads erect,
While our band plays "Garry Owen."

Chorus:
In the Fighting Seventh’s
It’s the cream of all the cavalry;
No other regiment ever can claim
Its pride, honor, glory and undying fame.

2
We know no fear when scern duty
Call us far away from home,
Our country’s flag shall safely o’er us wave,
No matter where we roam,
‘Tis the gallant Seventh Cavalry
It matters not where we’re goin’
Such you’ll surely say as we march away
And out band plays, "GarryOwen."

3
Then hurrah for our brave commander!
Who lead us into the fight.
We’ll do or die in our country’s cause,
And when the war is o’er,
Just watch the step, with hour heads erect,
When our band plays, "GarryOwen."